SHOW Synonyms: 295 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'show' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of show are display , exhibit , expose , flaunt , and parade . While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine. // showed her snapshots to the whole group

Q: When is it sensible to use 'display' instead of 'show'?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage. // display sale items

Q: When would 'exhibit' be a good substitute for 'show'?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly. // exhibit paintings at a gallery

Q: When might 'expose' be a better fit than 'show'?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying. // sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

Q: When can 'flaunt' be used instead of 'show'?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading. // nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Q: Where would 'parade' be a reasonable alternative to 'show'?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying. // parading their piety for all to see

show 1 of 2

verb

ˈshō

Definition of show next

as in to display

to present so as to invite notice or attention fishing for compliments, the neighbors showed their new SUV to everyone on the block

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs the actor's expressive face shows his every thought and emotion clearly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to prove

to gain full recognition or acceptance of that shows we're right

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as in to guide

to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed showed me how to play the guitar

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as in to steer

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front showed them the way to get home

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as in to appear

to come into view another car showed just as we were thinking we'd have the whole place to ourselves

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show

2 of 2

noun

as in display

an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect the children made a show of disgust when confronted with asparagus

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in act

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive her "concern" for the less fortunate is all just a big show

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication a false show of strength that fooled the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in exhibit

a public showing of objects of interest a boat show at the convention center

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word show different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of show are display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, and parade. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

When is it sensible to use display instead of show?

The synonyms display and show are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for show?

The meanings of exhibit and show largely overlap; however, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

When might expose be a better fit than show?

The words expose and show can be used in similar contexts, but expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When can flaunt be used instead of show?

While the synonyms flaunt and show are close in meaning, flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Where would parade be a reasonable alternative to show?

Although the words parade and show have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of show

Verb

Genki's product deck also shows a pro controller for the Switch 2, which looks eerily similar to the original peripheral. —

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 Food prices declined by 0.6% month on month as a result of conducive weather conditions, official statistics showed. —

Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

The belt-tightening has already hit another big money driver of network TV: the morning show. —

Alex Cranz, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025 General comment on the season: The show schedule in Milan was lighter this season, with brands like Gucci, Fendi and Tom Ford opting to present in February with coed shows. —

Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for show

Recent Examples of Synonyms for show

Verb

But if Saturday’s game was his final one as Lions defensive coordinator, Glenn’s unit didn’t display their best on film.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025
The museum displays the rudimentary equipment and clothing that alpinists once used and showcases their great achievements in conquering mountains here and abroad.

— Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025